86 THE RUNNING-DOWN OF THE UNIVERSE 



by loss of organisation and increase of the random 

 element. Whoever wishes for a universe which can 

 continue indefinitely in 'activity must lead a crusade 

 against the second law of thermodynamics; the possi- 

 bility of re-formation of matter from radiation is not 

 crucial and we can await conclusions with some indif- 

 ference. 



At present we can see no way in which an attack on 

 the second law of thermodynamics could possibly 

 succeed, and I confess that personally I have no great 

 desire that it should succeed in averting the final 

 running-down of the universe. I am no Phoenix 

 worshipper. This is a topic on which science is silent, 

 and all that one can say is prejudice. But since prejudice 

 in favour of a never-ending cycle of rebirth of matter 

 and worlds is often vocal, I may perhaps give voice to 

 the opposite prejudice. I would feel more content that 

 the universe should accomplish some great scheme of 

 evolution and, having achieved whatever may be 

 achieved, lapse back into chaotic changelessness, than 

 that its purpose should be banalised by continual 

 repetition. I am an Evolutionist, not a Multiplicationist. 

 It seems rather stupid to keep doing the same thing 

 over and over again. 



